New insights into predator–prey dynamics: First evidence of a leopard cat hunting coypus

Abstract We present the first documented evidence of interactions between the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) and the invasive coypu (Myocastor coypus) in South Korea, captured through camera traps in Hwapocheon wetland park from May 2015 to April 2017. Two interactions were recorded: one showing a leopard cat carrying a carcass of sub‐adult coypu and the other a 4‐min sequence of predation and defense between two species. The observed interactions indicate active predatory behavior by the leopard cat against coypus and cooperative defense by coypus. These findings shed new light on predator–prey dynamics, highlighting the leopard cat's potential role as a predator of coypus and coypus' defensive abilities. Understanding these relationships could facilitate more effective management of invasive species and offer broader implications for ecosystem dynamics and conservation strategies.

latrans), pumas (Puma concolor), and ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) consume coypus in the Americas (Burnam & Mengak, 2007;Gabrey et al., 2009;Mcvey, 2012;Wolfe et al., 1987), their interactions with native predators in Korea are largely unknown.While leopard cats and Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) are presumed potential predators of coypus, no direct evidence of leopard cats preying on coypus has been documented previously in Korea or elsewhere.We present herein the first observed evidence of this hitherto unexplored interaction.
Between May 2015 to April 2017, 16 camera traps (stillphotograph movement triggered model: Hyperfire HC550 and HC600; Reconyx, USA) were deployed at Hwapocheon wetland park (1.59 km 2 ) in Gimhae, a major habitat for coypus in South Korea to study leopard cat habitat.We set camera traps to take three consecutive photos without intervals when motion is detected.Of these cameras, two captured leopard cat-coypu interactions.The initial occurrence, recorded on November 16, 2015, at 18:05, displayed a leopard cat carrying a sub-adult coypu (Figure 1).Both the leopard cat and coypu were wet, leading us to assume that the leopard cat might have hunted the sub-adult coypu near the water edge.
However, this single observation does not conclusively demonstrate predation, and we cannot rule out the possibility that the leopard cat was carrying the coypu carcass as bycatch, rather than having actively hunted it.The subsequent direct record of predation, on January 16, 2017, at 23:30, portrayed a 4-min sequence of predatory and defensive behaviors between a leopard cat and two coypus, providing clearer evidence of predatory behavior (Figure 2, Table 1, Video S1).
In weather conditions measuring −6°C, an adult coypu was recorded traversing the frozen surface of the Hwapocheon wetland (Figure 2a).Subsequently, a leopard cat was observed approaching the coypu, climbing onto its back and grasping it with its claws.Then, the leopard cat bit the coypu's neck and subdued it (Figure 2b,c).During this predatory behavior, a second coypu appeared (Figure 2d), approaching the leopard cat from behind.
This caused the leopard cat to change its position, although it continued biting the first coypu (Figure 2e,f).The images further depict the second coypu approaching the leopard cat in what can be described as a threatening manner, resulting in a standoff (Figure 2g,h).The subsequent defensive behavior exhibited by the coypus caused the leopard cat to flee the scene (Figure 2i).The coypus were then observed patrolling the area in the direction of the leopard cat's escape (Figure 2j), with their vigilance lasting for 1 min and 7 s before exiting the camera frame (Table 1; Video S1).
Later, the leopard cat reappeared, seemingly on guard in the area.
The sequence concluded with two coypus emerging and charging at the leopard cat, causing it to flee once more.
Among 207 scholarly papers, indexed on Google Scholar, related to the leopard cat published between 1952 and 2022, no instances of coypu predation were reported.Our observation revealed three of the four stages of felid feeding behavior, smell/ hearing-stalking-hunting-killing the prey, in relation to coypus (Lindburg, 1988;Resende et al., 2009).The leopard cat was unable to complete the killing stage due to the defensive actions of a second coypu.Hunting of large prey, equivalent in size to adult coypus, is less common for leopard cats than targeting small rodents, but given instances of predation on large avian species, such as redcrowned crane (Grus japonensis) and whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus), the success of individual leopard cats in hunting large prey appears plausible (Lee, 2012).
These observations signify that the leopard cat engages in predation of the invasive coypu in South Korea, though no native predator of predation for coypus was known previously.Particularly noteworthy was the recording of a leopard cat's hunting process of an adult coypu, substantiating the possibility of leopard cats as coypu predators.We also confirmed the coypus' ability to collectively defend against carnivores.These findings offer novel insights into the predator-prey dynamics between these species, enriching our understanding of leopard cats' ecological roles, especially in regions impacted by invasive species like the coypu.
Future research must delve further into predator-prey interactions between native predators and invasive species, exploring their effects on coypu populations.Understanding these relationships could facilitate more effective management of invasive species and offer broader implications for ecosystem dynamics and conservation strategies.
F I G U R E 2 Selected photo sequence illustrating the predatory and defensive behaviors of a leopard cat (indicated by a blue arrow) and coypus (indicated by orange and red arrows).The sequence was recorded on January 16, 2017, from 23:30:46 to 23:34:40 and progresses from top left (a) to bottom right (j): (a) appearance of a coypu; (b-i) leopard cat engaging in hunting behavior and coypus in defensive actions; and (j) coypus patrolling the perimeter.